Word Origin & History

"period of unrestrained activity," 1887, American English, perhaps via intermediate sense of "as much drink as a man can hold" (1670s), from earlier meaning "load of hay or wood" (1590s), of unknown origin. Used in U.S. colloquial speech from 1834 to mean "a quantity, a lot."

Example Sentences forjag

Yes—I suppose when I told you the truth, it must have been a bit of a jag for you.

Apparently he has been on the jag all the week, and to-day's booze finished him off.

He had set his mind on a “jag” of the worst description—to drink and forget.

They had a little "jag" of meal in a bag, a piece of sidemeat, and a half-dozen chickens.

But what can they do when they find a bloke paradin' the streets with a jag on?

Some men came along and said, 'See the Cracker with a cryin' jag.'

It was something else; something that followed every jag of happiness.

Thornton shows that jag, bust, bat and to crook the elbow are also Americanisms.

It did seem rather despicable when one thought of it after the jag was off.

Take me in and introduce me to Gregg, and I'll give him an order to sell a jag of wheat for me.